U.S. patent application number 14/188771 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for glass pan having an electromagnetically formed induction layer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Whirlpool Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Whirlpool Corporation. Invention is credited to FREDERICK A. MILLETT.
Application Number | 20150245419 14/188771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52669389 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150245419 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MILLETT; FREDERICK A. |
August 27, 2015 |
GLASS PAN HAVING AN ELECTROMAGNETICALLY FORMED INDUCTION LAYER
Abstract
An induction pan for an induction cooking appliance includes an
electromagnetically contoured induction layer, wherein the
electromagnetically contoured induction layer is ferromagnetic and
electrically conductive. The induction pan includes a vessel having
a base, a sidewall extending from the base and defining a rim, an
interior surface defining an inner volume, and an exterior surface.
The vessel is at least partially translucent. The
electromagnetically contoured induction layer is engaged to at
least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface of the
vessel proximate the base, and is in thermal communication with the
inner volume. At least one retaining feature extends from at least
one of the interior surface and the exterior surface of the vessel,
wherein the electromagnetically contoured induction layer extends
at least partially over the retaining feature.
Inventors: |
MILLETT; FREDERICK A.;
(Grand Haven, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Whirlpool Corporation |
Benton Harbor |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Whirlpool Corporation
Benton Harbor
MI
|
Family ID: |
52669389 |
Appl. No.: |
14/188771 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
219/621 ;
72/47 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 6/12 20130101; B21D
39/00 20130101; B21D 26/14 20130101; A47J 27/002 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05B 6/12 20060101
H05B006/12; B21D 39/00 20060101 B21D039/00; B21D 26/14 20060101
B21D026/14 |
Claims
1. An induction pan for an induction cooking appliance comprising:
an electromagnetically contoured induction layer, wherein the
electromagnetically contoured induction layer is ferromagnetic and
electrically conductive; a vessel having a base, a sidewall
extending from the base and defining a rim, an interior surface
defining an inner volume, and an exterior surface, wherein the
vessel is at least partially translucent, and wherein the
electromagnetically contoured induction layer is engaged to at
least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface of the
vessel proximate the base, and wherein the electromagnetically
contoured induction layer is in thermal communication with the
inner volume; and at least one retaining feature extending from at
least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface of the
vessel, wherein the electromagnetically contoured induction layer
extends at least partially over the retaining feature.
2. The induction pan for an induction cooking appliance of claim 1,
wherein an inner surface of the electromagnetically contoured
induction layer is directly engaged with the retaining feature,
wherein the retaining feature is a protrusion extending from the
exterior surface of the vessel.
3. The induction pan for an induction cooking appliance of claim 1,
wherein the vessel includes a single integral piece and the
electromagnetically contoured induction layer includes a single
integral piece.
4. The induction pan for an induction cooking appliance of claim 1,
wherein the vessel is substantially clear and includes low thermal
expansion glass.
5. The induction pan for an induction cooking appliance of claim 1,
wherein the electromagnetically contoured induction layer includes
a first induction portion disposed on the sidewall and a second
induction portion disposed on the base.
6. The induction pan for an induction cooking appliance of claim 1,
wherein the vessel includes at least one of ceramic glass and
borosilicate glass.
7. The induction pan for an induction cooking appliance of claim 2,
further comprising: a covering layer directly engaging an outer
surface of the electromagnetically contoured induction layer and at
least a portion of the exterior surface of the vessel, wherein the
electromagnetically contoured induction layer is disposed between
the vessel and the covering layer.
8. An induction pan for an induction cooking appliance comprising:
an induction layer, wherein the induction layer is ferromagnetic
and electrically conductive; and an at least partially translucent
vessel having a base and a sidewall extending from the base that
define an inner volume and an exterior surface, and at least one
retaining feature extending from the exterior surface proximate the
base, wherein the induction layer extends over at least a portion
of the exterior surface proximate the base and engages the at least
one retaining feature, and wherein the induction layer is in
thermal communication with the inner volume.
9. The induction pan for an induction cooking appliance of claim 8,
wherein an inner surface of the induction layer is directly engaged
with the retaining feature, wherein the retaining feature is a
detent defined within the exterior surface of the vessel.
10. The induction pan for an induction cooking appliance of claim
9, wherein the vessel includes a single integral piece and the
induction layer includes a single integral piece.
11. The induction pan for an induction cooking appliance of claim
9, wherein the vessel is substantially clear and includes low
thermal expansion glass.
12. The induction pan for an induction cooking appliance of claim
9, wherein the induction layer includes a first induction portion
disposed on the sidewall and a second induction portion disposed on
the base, and wherein the first induction portion engages an first
retaining feature and the second induction portion engages a second
retaining feature.
13. The induction pan for an induction cooking appliance of claim
8, wherein the vessel is at least one of ceramic glass and
borosilicate glass.
14. The induction pan for an induction cooking appliance of claim
9, further comprising: a covering layer directly engaging an outer
surface of the electromagnetically contoured induction layer and at
least a portion of the exterior surface of the vessel, wherein the
electromagnetically contoured induction layer is disposed between
the vessel and the covering layer.
15. A method for forming an induction pan for an induction cooking
appliance, the method including the steps of: forming an induction
layer, wherein the induction layer includes a ferromagnetic
material and an electrically conductive material; forming a
substantially translucent vessel having a base and a sidewall
extending from the base that define an exterior surface and an
interior surface that defines an inner volume; forming at least one
retaining protrusion extending from at least one of the interior
surface and the exterior surface of the vessel; disposing the
induction layer at the base of the vessel proximate the at least
one retaining protrusion; and electromagnetically forming the
induction layer to at least one of the interior surface and the
exterior surface of the vessel, wherein the induction layer is in
thermal communication with the inner volume of the vessel, and
wherein the induction layer engages at least the base of the vessel
and the at least one retaining protrusion.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the ferromagnetic material and
the electrically conductive material are the same material.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the induction layer is directly
engaged with the at least one retaining protrusion extending from
the exterior surface of the vessel.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the induction layer includes a
first induction portion disposed on the sidewall and a second
induction portion disposed on the base, and wherein the first
induction portion engages a first retaining feature and the second
induction portion engages a second retaining feature.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of:
disposing a cover layer directly to an outer surface of the
induction layer and at least a portion of the exterior surface of
the vessel, wherein the electromagnetically contoured induction
layer is disposed between the vessel and the cover layer.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the cover layer is the same
material as the vessel.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention generally relates to devices in the
field of cooking pans for use on induction cooktops, specifically,
clear cooking pans that have an induction layer that is
electromagnetically formed onto at least a portion of the cooking
pan.
SUMMARY
[0002] In at least one aspect, an induction pan for an induction
cooking appliance includes an electromagnetically contoured
induction layer. The electromagnetically contoured induction layer
is ferromagnetic and electrically conductive. The induction pan
includes a vessel having a base, a sidewall extending from the base
and defining a rim, an interior surface defining an inner volume,
and an exterior surface. The vessel is at least partially
translucent. The electromagnetically contoured induction layer is
engaged to at least one of the interior surface and the exterior
surface of the vessel proximate the base, and is in thermal
communication with the inner volume. At least one retaining feature
extends from at least one of the interior surface and the exterior
surface of the vessel, wherein the electromagnetically contoured
induction layer extends at least partially over the retaining
feature.
[0003] In at least another aspect, an induction pan for an
induction cooking appliance includes an induction layer, wherein
the induction layer is ferromagnetic and electrically conductive.
The induction pan includes an at least partially translucent vessel
having a base and a sidewall extending from the base that define an
inner volume and an exterior surface, and at least one retaining
feature extending from the exterior surface proximate the base. The
induction layer extends over at least a portion of the exterior
surface proximate the base and engages the at least one retaining
feature, and is in thermal communication with the inner volume.
[0004] In at least another aspect, a method for forming an
induction pan for an induction cooking appliance includes the steps
of forming an induction layer, wherein the induction layer includes
a ferromagnetic material and an electrically conductive material.
The method also includes forming a substantially translucent vessel
having a base and a sidewall extending from the base that define an
exterior surface and an interior surface that defines an inner
volume, forming at least one retaining protrusion extending from at
least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface of the
vessel, and disposing the induction layer at the base of the vessel
proximate the at least one retaining protrusion and
electromagnetically forming the induction layer to at least one of
the interior surface and the exterior surface of the vessel. The
induction layer is in thermal communication with the inner volume
of the vessel, and engages at least the base of the vessel and the
at least one retaining protrusion.
[0005] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present device will be further understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art by reference to the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In the drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of an induction
cooking appliance with one embodiment of the induction cooking pan
disposed thereon;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the induction cooking
pan of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the
induction cooking pan of FIG. 2 taken along line III-III;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded top perspective view of the
induction cooking pan of FIG. 2 showing the induction layer in a
partially-formed state;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded top perspective view of an
embodiment of the induction cooking pan with the induction layer in
a partially-formed state;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate
embodiment of the induction cooking pan having a covering layer
surrounding the induction layer;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a detail cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
the induction cooking pan, showing the induction layer about to be
electromagnetically formed to a surface of the cooking pan;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a detail cross-sectional view of the induction
cooking pan of FIG. 7, showing the induction layer
electromagnetically formed to a surface of the cooking pan;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a detail cross-sectional view of the induction
cooking pan of FIG. 7 taken along line IX-IX, including schematic
representations of the electromagnetic forming process; and
[0016] FIG. 10 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method
for forming a glass pan for an induction cooking appliance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as
oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the device
may assume various alternative orientations except for expressly
specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the
specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings
and described in the following specification are simply exemplary
embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended
claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0018] As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, reference
numeral 10 generally refers to an induction pan for an induction
cooking appliance, having an electromagnetically contoured
induction layer 14, wherein the induction layer 14 is ferromagnetic
and electrically conductive. The induction pan 10 also includes a
vessel 16 having a base 18, a sidewall 20 extending from the base
18 defining a rim 22, an interior surface 24 defining an inner
volume 26, and an exterior surface 28. The vessel 16 is at least
partially translucent. The electromagnetically contoured induction
layer 14 is engaged to at least one of the interior surface 24 and
the exterior surface 28 of the vessel 16 proximate the base 18,
wherein the electromagnetically contoured induction layer 14 is in
thermal communication with the inner volume 26. At least one
retaining feature 30 is defined by at least one of the interior
surface 24 and the exterior surface 28 of the vessel 16, wherein
the electromagnetically contoured induction layer 14 extends at
least partially over the retaining feature 30.
[0019] Referring again to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the
induction pan 10 is configured to be used with an induction cooking
appliance 12, wherein the induction cooking appliance 12 creates a
magnetic field that is configured to induce an electrical current
within the induction layer 14 of the induction pan 10. Because the
induction layer 14 is at least partially electrically resistive,
the induced electrical current 76 within the induction layer 14
creates heat within the induction layer 14. This heat from the
induced electrical current 76 in the induction layer 14 is
transferred into the inner volume 26 of the induction pan 10, such
that cooking operations can be accomplished within the inner volume
26 of the induction pan 10.
[0020] Referring again to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,
the induction layer 14 is attached to the vessel 16 such that an
inner or outer surface of the electromagnetically contoured
induction layer 14 is directly engaged with the retaining feature
30 that extends from or is defined within the exterior and/or
interior surface 28, 24 of the vessel 16. It is contemplated that
the retaining feature 30 can be a detent 40 (shown in FIG. 6)
defined within the surface of the vessel 16, wherein the detent 40
can either be defined within the interior surface 24 or the
exterior surface 28, depending upon the location of the induction
layer 14 in relation to the vessel 16. In various embodiments, the
retaining feature 30 can be a protrusion 42 that extends outward
from the interior or exterior surface 24, 28 of the vessel 16.
Whether the retaining feature 30 is a detent 40, protrusion 42, a
combination thereof, or some other feature defined within the
surface of the vessel 16, the retaining feature 30 is configured to
receive a surface of the induction layer 14 and retain, at least
through an interference fit, the induction layer 14 to a surface of
the vessel 16. Where the induction layer 14 is disposed on the
exterior surface 28 of the vessel 16, an inner surface of the
induction layer 14 is electromagnetically formed to the contour of
the retaining feature 30. In this manner, the induction layer 14
forms a cooperating profile with the retaining feature 30. It is
further contemplated that the outer surface of the induction layer
14 can be similarly formed to the vessel 16 against an interior
surface 24 of the vessel 16. In various embodiments, the vessel 16
can include two induction layers 14, wherein a first induction
portion 50 is engaged against the exterior surface 28 of the vessel
16 and a second induction portion 54 is engaged against the
interior surface 24 of the vessel 16, wherein a portion of the
vessel 16 is disposed between the first and second induction
portions 50, 54.
[0021] Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and
3, the retaining feature 30 of the induction pan 10 is configured
to provide an interference engagement between the vessel 16 and the
induction layer 14 such that when the induction layer 14 is
electromagnetically formed to a surface of the vessel 16, the
induction layer 14 will be substantially retained on the vessel 16
and prevented from sliding, twisting, or otherwise moving against
or being removed from the vessel 16. It is contemplated that the
retaining feature 30 is integrally formed within the surface of the
vessel 16, wherein the vessel 16 includes a single integral piece.
The retaining feature 30 can be a continuous feature extending
around the vessel 16, or can be a plurality of individual features
that form the retaining feature 30. The retaining feature 30 can
also be a single protrusion 42 or detent 40 in a portion of the
exterior or interior surface 28, 24 of the vessel 16.
[0022] In the various embodiments, the vessel 16 is substantially
clear and includes a low thermal expansion glass. It is also
contemplated that the vessel 16 can be made of various materials
that are at least partially translucent and have low coefficients
of thermal expansion, wherein such materials include, but are not
limited to, ceramic glass, borosilicate glass, low thermal
expansion ceramics, heat resistant glass, and other similar
materials. In the various embodiments, the vessel 16 used in the
induction pan 10 can be made in various shapes and sizes for use
within induction cooking appliances 12. The induction pan 10 can
take the form of sauce pans, cooking pots, baking pans, and any
other type of cooking vessel 16 that can be used in cooperation
with an induction cooking appliance 12. In various embodiments, a
non-stick layer can be disposed on an interior surface 24 of the
vessel 16 to substantially prevent foods sticking thereto.
[0023] Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-6,
the induction layer 14 is configured to be contoured over at least
a portion of the vessel 16, such that when the induction pan 10 is
placed upon an induction cooking surface, the operation of cooking
through induction, as described above, can be accomplished to cook
various food items. It is contemplated that the induction layer 14
can include a single integral piece that is formed across at least
the base 18 of the vessel 16. In various embodiments, the induction
layer 14 can include a first induction portion 50 disposed around
the sidewall 20 of the vessel 16, wherein the sidewall 20 includes
a first retaining feature 52, such as a protrusion 42 or detent 40.
The induction layer 14 can also include a second induction portion
54 disposed proximate the base 18, wherein the second induction
portion 54 engages a second retaining feature 56. It is
contemplated that additional induction portions can be disposed on
a surface of the vessel 16, depending upon the size and shape of
the vessel 16 and the nature of the cooking operations to be
conducted within the induction pan 10.
[0024] In the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the
electromagnetically contoured induction layer 14 can be made of
various materials that are both ferromagnetic and electrically
conductive, where such materials include, but are not limited to,
iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys thereof, metal oxide hybrids, and
other various materials that are both ferromagnetic and
electrically conductive. The ferromagnetic properties of the
material are needed to provide the induction pan 10 with the
properties necessary to operate in conjunction with an induction
cooking appliance 12. The electrically conductive properties of the
material are needed such that the induction layer 14 can be
electrically formed to a surface of the vessel 16, as will be
described more fully below. It is contemplated that, in various
embodiments, the induction layer 14 can be made up of more than one
material, wherein one material is ferromagnetic and another
material is electrically conductive. In such an embodiment, the two
materials would be combined such that the necessary ferromagnetic
and electrically conductive properties can be included within the
induction layer 14. The combination of such materials can be
accomplished through creating an alloy of various metals, or by
forming a structure where the ferromagnetic material and the
electrically conductive material are mechanically combined by one
of various operations that include, but are not limited to,
layering, weaving, using alternating bands of dissimilar metals,
and other various combining operations that are sufficient to
distribute the ferromagnetic and electrically conductive properties
evenly across the surface of the induction layer 14.
[0025] Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, it is
contemplated that a covering layer 60 can be directly engaged to an
outer surface of the electromagnetically contoured induction layer
14, wherein the covering layer 60 also engages at least a portion
of the exterior surface 28 of the vessel 16. In such an embodiment,
the electromagnetically contoured induction layer 14 can be
disposed between the vessel 16 and the covering layer 60. It is
contemplated that the covering layer 60 can be the same material as
the remainder of the vessel 16, or can be a dissimilar material
that is attached to the outer surface of the vessel 16. It is
contemplated that the covering layer 60 is made of a material that
can substantially withstand damage and deformation as a result of
heat emanating from the induction layer 14 during cooking.
[0026] In the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the
covering layer 60 can cover an interior portion of the vessel 16
and the induction layer 14, wherein the induction layer 14 is
formed to the interior surface 24 of the vessel 16. In such an
embodiment, the cover layer can include any one of various
materials, including materials similar to that of the vessel 16.
The covering layer 60 can also include a non-stick or other coating
that is exposed to the inner volume 26 to substantially prevent
food items from sticking to the vessel 16.
[0027] In embodiments where a cover member is used, the cover
member can help to prevent damage to the induction layer 14 as a
result of cleaning, impact, cooking and other wear conditions.
[0028] Referring now to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7-9,
the induction layer 14 is formed to a surface of the vessel 16
through a process of electromagnetic forming. In this process, the
vessel 16 is placed proximate the induction layer 14 and the
induction layer 14 and the vessel 16 are placed together within an
electromagnetic field generator 70. In various forms of
electromagnetic forming, the electromagnetic field generator 70
uses an electromagnetic pulse 72, such as a brief electrical
current, through the electromagnetic field generator 70. The
electromagnetic pulse 72 creates a primary magnetic field 74 around
the electromagnetic field generator 70. The vessel 16 and the
induction layer 14 are placed within the electromagnetic field
generator 70, such that the electromagnetic field generator 70 and
the induction layer 14 are in electromagnetic communication with
one another. In this manner, as the primary magnetic field 74 is
generated by the release of the electromagnetic pulse 72, an
induced electrical current 76 is created within the induction layer
14, wherein the induced electrical current 76 runs in a direction
opposite to the electromagnetic pulse 72 running through the
electromagnetic field generator 70. The induced electrical current
76 within the induction layer 14 also creates an induced magnetic
field 78 around the induction layer 14. This induced magnetic field
78 is in opposition to the primary magnetic field 74 created by the
electromagnetic field generator 70. In this manner, the combination
of the primary magnetic field 74 and the induced magnetic field 78
creates a repulsive force 80 that drives the induction layer 14
away from the electromagnetic field generator 70. In this manner,
the induction layer 14 is pushed away from the electromagnetic
field generator 70 and toward a surface of the vessel 16, resulting
in the induction layer 14 being formed to a surface of the vessel
16.
[0029] It is contemplated that this electromagnetic forming process
can be accomplished with induction pans 10 having various shapes
and sizes that include, but are not limited to, oval, square,
rectangle, round, and other various geometric shapes, as well as
pans with varying types of handles, lids, and other accessories. In
various embodiments, the electromagnetic forming process can be
used to form an induction layer 14, such that the induction layer
14 covers the entire exterior surface 28, or the entire interior
surface 24, up to, and potentially covering, the rim 22 of the
vessel 16.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 10, having described the induction pan
10 and the formation of the induction layer 14 upon the vessel 16,
a method 1000 for forming an induction pan 10 for an induction
cooking appliance 12 is disclosed. The method 1000 includes forming
an induction layer 14 having a ferromagnetic material and an
electrically conductive material (step 1002). As discussed above,
the induction layer 14 can be made of a single homogenous material
that has both ferromagnetic and electrically conductive
characteristics. Alternatively, the induction layer 14 can be made
of a combination of materials, wherein at least one material has
ferromagnetic properties and at least one material has electrically
conductive properties.
[0031] According to FIG. 10, the method 1000 also includes forming
a substantially translucent vessel 16 having a base 18 in a
sidewall 20 that defines an exterior surface 28 (step 1004). This
vessel 16 can take one of many shapes consistent with the various
shapes of pans seen in commercial and residential kitchens.
Additionally, the method 1000 includes forming at least one
retaining feature 30 within a surface of the vessel 16 (step 1006).
It is contemplated that the retaining feature 30 can be either a
protrusion 42, a detent 40, or both. The retaining feature 30,
whether a protrusion 42, detent 40, or both, serve the purpose of
providing an interference connection between the induction layer 14
and the vessel 16 after the induction layer 14 has been formed to a
surface of the vessel 16.
[0032] Referring again to FIG. 10, the method 1000 includes
disposing the induction layer 14 at at least the base 18 of the
vessel 16 such that the induction layer 14 is proximate the
retaining feature 30 (step 1008). According to the method 1000, the
vessel 16 and induction layer 14 are disposed within an
electromagnetic forming device (step 1010). When the vessel 16 and
the induction layer 14 are disposed within the electromagnetic
forming device, the induction layer 14 can be a substantially flat
member that will be formed upward and around the surface of the
vessel 16. In various embodiments, the induction layer 14 can also
include a horizontal member 90 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 7) that
engages a base 18 of the vessel 16 and a vertical member 92 (shown
in FIGS. 5 and 7) that extends around the base 18 that is
configured to engage at least a portion of the sidewall 20 of a
vessel 16.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the method 1000 includes
electromagnetically forming the induction layer 14 to the exterior
surface 28 of the vessel 16 such that the induction layer 14 is
retained against at least the base 18 of the vessel 16 by the
retaining feature 30 (step 1012). In this manner, the induction
layer 14 is placed in thermal communication with an inner volume 26
of the vessel 16. As discussed above, this forming step can include
forming a substantially flat induction layer 14 upward and around
at least a portion of the sidewall 20 of the vessel 16.
Alternatively, forming the induction layer 14 can include a
multi-step process wherein the induction layer 14 is first formed
to include the vertical member 92 that extends upward from the
horizontal member 90. After the vertical member 92 is formed, the
induction layer 14 is then placed proximate the vessel 16 and
within the electromagnetic forming device.
[0034] Referring again to FIG. 10, in various embodiments, the
method 1000 can also include disposing a covering layer 60 directly
to a surface of the induction layer 14 and against at least a
portion of the exterior or interior surface 28, 24 of the vessel
16, wherein the electromagnetically contoured induction layer 14 is
disposed between the vessel 16 and the covering layer 60 (step
1014). It is contemplated that the covering layer 60 can be
disposed around the induction layer 14 to provide protection from
the induction layer 14 being damaged during use. In particular, the
covering layer 60 can substantially prevent rust from forming on
the induction layer 14, where the induction layer 14 is made of a
material that may be susceptible to corrosion as a result of being
exposed to moisture.
[0035] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described device and other components
is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary
embodiments of the device disclosed herein may be formed from a
wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
[0036] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary
embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments
of the present innovations have been described in detail in this
disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure
will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,
variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions
of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting
arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally
formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as
multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the
interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width
of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of
the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment
positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be
noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be
constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide
sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of
colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes,
and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and
arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without
departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
[0037] It will be understood that any described processes or steps
within described processes may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed
herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as
limiting.
[0038] It is also to be understood that variations and
modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and
methods without departing from the concepts of the present device,
and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended
to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their
language expressly state otherwise.
[0039] The above description is considered that of the illustrated
embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those
skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device.
Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the
drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes
and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined
by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles
of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.
* * * * *